BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. — Not having a birthday party with your family and friends while quarantined can be tough for anyone... especially young kids.
After hearing that his 7-year-old daughter Hailey was sad that she couldn't have her friends and family over for a birthday party, Ryan Patterson knew he had to do something special.
Patterson works as a Paramedic/Firefighter for the Baltimore County Fire Department, and volunteers during his time off for the Kingsville Volunteer Fire Company.
"About 2 weeks before her birthday I was looking for something to do to make up for the fact that we could not hold a traditional birthday party. I thought I would inquire with the stations that I work at and volunteer with to do something over the top and make, what was otherwise going to be a drab birthday, into something special," Patterson said.
He ended up organizing a personal parade for his daughter that included firetrucks, police cars, and Maryland Transportation Authority cars.
Overall, 10 fire engines, EMS vehicles, police cars and more lined up and paraded around Patterson's neighborhood to make a little girl smile on her birthday.
"Hailey was surprised by her personal birthday parade and was so overwhelmed with emotion that she was brought to tears," Patterson explained. "We are so grateful for our brother and sister First Responders that were able to make a 7 year old's birthday probably the most memorable birthday that she'll ever have."
Patterson said at one point Hailey even screamed, "This is the best birthday ever!" and I am sure it is one she will never forget.
